Chapter Previewהַקְדָּמָה
In this chapter, we begin learning the essential halachos of the four domains of Shabbos, which are fundamental to the melacha of carrying. The Rambam, with his characteristic clarity, defines the parameters of a private domain (reshus hayachid), a public domain (reshus harabim), a carmelit, and a makom patur. We will learn the precise dimensions and physical characteristics that establish these domains according to the Torah and Rabbinic law.
As we delve into these halachos, we will see how the Sages define a public domain based on the encampment of the Jewish people in the desert, requiring specific widths and the absence of a roof. We will also explore the nature of a private domain, whether it is a mound, a groove, or an area enclosed by walls, and understand the Rabbinic status of a carmelit, which acts as an intermediate domain.
All introductions, summaries, and contextual notes are the editor's commentary and are not part of the original text.אַלע הַקְדָּמוֹת, סִכּוּמִים, און הערות זענען דעם רעדאַקטאָר'ס באַמערקונגען און זענען נישט קיין טייל פונעם אָריגינעלן טעקסט.
הל׳ א
אַרְבַּע רְשׁוּיוֹת לְשַׁבָּת וְהַגְדָּרַת רְשׁוּת הַיָּחִיד וּרְשׁוּת הָרַבִּיםHalacha 1 · The Four Domains of Shabbos and the Definitions of Private and Public Domains
אַרְבַעFourרְשׁוּיוֹתdomainsלְשַׁבָּת.for Shabbosרְשׁוּתa domain ofהַיָּחִידthe individualוּרְשׁוּתand a domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe manyוְכַרְמְלִיתand a carmelitוּמְקוֹםand a place ofפְּטוֹר.exemptאֵיWhichזוֹisהִיאitרְשׁוּתthe domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe manyמִדְבָּרוֹתdesertsוַעֲיָרוֹתand townsוּשְׁוָקִיםand marketplacesוּדְרָכִיםand pathsהַמְפֻלָּשִׁיןthat are open throughלָהֶן.to themוּבִלְבַדand providedשֶׁיִּהְיֶהthat there isרֹחַבthe width ofהַדֶּרֶךְthe pathשֵׁשׁsixעֶשְׂרֵהteenאַמָּהcubitsוְלֹאand notיִהְיֶהthere isעָלָיוupon itתִּקְרָה.a roofוְאֵיAnd whichזוֹisרְשׁוּתthe domain ofהַיָּחִידthe individualתֵּלa moundשֶׁגָּבוֹהַּthat is highעֲשָׂרָהtenטְפָחִיםhandbreadthsוְרָחָבand wideאַרְבָּעָהfourטְפָחִיםhandbreadthsעַלbyאַרְבָּעָהfourטְפָחִיםhandbreadthsאוֹorיֶתֶרmoreעַל·כֵּן.than thisוְכֵןAnd likewiseחָרִיץa trenchשֶׁהוּאthat isעָמֹקdeepעֲשָׂרָהtenוְרָחָבand wideאַרְבָּעָהfourעַלbyאַרְבָּעָהfourאוֹorיֶתֶרmoreעַל·כֵּן.than thisוְכֵןAnd likewiseמָקוֹםa placeשֶׁהוּאthat isמֻקָּףsurrounded byאַרְבַּעfourמְחִצּוֹתpartitionsגָּבְהָןwhose height isעֲשָׂרָהtenוּבֵינֵיהֶןand between themאַרְבָּעָהfourעַלbyאַרְבָּעָהfourאוֹorיֶתֶרmoreעַל·כֵּןthan thisאֲפִלּוּeven ifיֵשׁthere isבּוֹin itכַּמָּהseveralמִילִיןmilאִםifהֻקַּףit was enclosedלְדִירָהfor dwellingכְּגוֹןsuch asמְדִינָהa cityהַמֻּקֶּפֶתthat is surrounded byחוֹמָהa wallשֶׁדַּלְתוֹתֶיהָwhose gatesנִנְעָלוֹתare lockedבַּלַּיְלָהat nightוּמְבוֹאוֹתand alleysשֶׁיֵּשׁthat haveלָהֶן·שְׁלֹשָׁהthreeכְּתָלִיםwallsוְלֶחִיand a side-postבְּרוּחַon the sideרְבִיעִית.fourthוְכֵןAnd likewiseחָצֵרa courtyardוְדִירand a corralוְסַהַרand a stableשֶׁהֻקְּפוּthat were enclosedלְדִירָהfor dwellingכֻּלָּןall of themרְשׁוּתa domain ofהַיָּחִידthe individualגְּמוּרָהcompleteהֵן:they are
This halacha introduces the four domains of Shabbos and defines the physical criteria for a public domain and a private domain.
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דִּין כֵּלִים הַמַּחֲזִיקִים אַרְבָּעָה עַל אַרְבָּעָה כִּרְשׁוּת הַיָּחִידHalacha 2 · The Status of Large Vessels as a Private Domain on Shabbos
אֲפִלּוּEvenכֵּלִיםvesselsכְּגוֹןsuch asסְפִינָהa boatאוֹorמִגְדָּלa closetשֶׁלofעֵץwoodוְכַוֶּרֶתand a beehiveוְכַיּוֹצֵאand similarבָּהֶןto themאִםifיֵשׁthere isבָּהֶןin themאַרְבָּעָהfourעַלbyאַרְבָּעָהfourבְּגֹבַהּwith a height ofעֲשָׂרָהtenאוֹorיֶתֶרmoreעַלthanזֶהthisהֲרֵיbeholdהֵןtheyרְשׁוּתare a domain ofהַיָּחִידthe individualגְּמוּרָה:complete
This halacha defines the dimensions required for large vessels to be legally classified as a private domain.
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דִּין עֳבִי הַכְּתָלִים וַאֲוִיר רְשׁוּת הַיָּחִיד וּרְשׁוּת הָרַבִּיםHalacha 3 · The Status of Wall Thickness and Airspace in Private and Public Domains
עֳבִיThe thickness ofהַכְּתָלִיםthe wallsשֶׁלofרְשׁוּתa privateהַיָּחִידdomainכִּרְשׁוּתis like a privateהַיָּחִיד.domainלַאֲחֵרִיםfor othersעוֹשֶׂהit makesמְחִצָּהa partitionלְעַצְמוֹfor itselfלֹאnotכָּלall the moreשֶׁכֵּן.soאֲוִירThe airspace ofרְשׁוּתa privateהַיָּחִידdomainכִּרְשׁוּתis like a privateהַיָּחִידdomainעַדupלָרָקִיעַ.to the skyאֲבָלbutאֲוִירthe airspace ofרְשׁוּתa publicהָרַבִּיםdomainאֵינוֹis notכִּרְשׁוּתlike a publicהָרַבִּיםdomainאֶלָּאexceptעַדup toעֲשָׂרָהtenטְפָחִים.handbreadthsוּלְמַעְלָהand aboveמֵעֲשָׂרָהtenבַּאֲוִירin the airspace ofרְשׁוּתa publicהָרַבִּיםdomainמְקוֹםan exemptפְּטוֹרareaהוּא:it is
This halacha defines the status of the thickness of walls surrounding a private domain and the vertical boundaries of airspace in both private and public domains.
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הַגְדָּרַת כַּרְמְלִית וְהַמְּקוֹמוֹת הַנִּכְלָלִים בָּהּHalacha 4 · The Definition of a Carmelit and the Areas Included in It
אֵיWhatזוֹthisהִיאisכַּרְמְלִיתcarmelitתֵּלA moundשֶׁיֵּשׁthat hasבּוֹin itאַרְבָּעָהfourעַלbyאַרְבָּעָהfourאוֹorיֶתֶרmoreעַלthanכֵּןthisוְגָבְהוֹand its heightמִשְּׁלֹשָׁהfrom threeוְעַדand up toעֲשָׂרָה.tenשֶׁהַכַּרְמְלִיתfor the carmelitאֵינָהּdoes notתּוֹפֶשֶׂתoccupyאֶלָּאexceptעַדup toעֲשָׂרָהtenוְאֵינָהּand is notרְחָבָהwideפָּחוֹתlessמֵאַרְבָּעָהthan fourעַלbyאַרְבָּעָה.fourוְכֵןAnd so tooחָרִיץa grooveשֶׁיֵּשׁthat hasבּוֹin itאַרְבָּעָהfourעַלbyאַרְבָּעָהfourאוֹorיֶתֶרmoreעַלthanכֵּןthisוְעָמֹקand deepמִשְּׁלֹשָׁהfrom threeעַדup toעֲשָׂרָה.tenוְכֵןAnd so tooמָקוֹםa placeשֶׁהֻקַּףthat was surroundedבְּאַרְבַּעby fourמְחִצּוֹתpartitionsגָּבְהָןtheir heightמִשְּׁלֹשָׁהfrom threeוְעַדand up toעֲשָׂרָהtenוּבֵינֵיהֶןand between themאַרְבָּעָהfourעַלbyאַרְבָּעָהfourאוֹorיֶתֶרmoreעַלthanכֵּן.thisוְכֵןAnd so tooקֶרֶןa cornerזָוִיתnookהַסְּמוּכָהthat is adjacentלִרְשׁוּתto the domainהָרַבִּיםof the publicוְהוּאand itהַמָּקוֹםis the placeשֶׁמֻּקָּףthat is surroundedשָׁלֹשׁby threeמְחִצּוֹתpartitionsוְהָרוּחַand the sideהָרְבִיעִיתfourthרְשׁוּתis the domainהָרַבִּיםof the publicכְּגוֹןsuch asמָבוֹיan alleywayשֶׁאֵיןthat does notלוֹhaveלֶחִיa side-postאוֹorקוֹרָהa crossbeamבְּרוּחַon the sideרְבִיעִיתfourthוְכֵןAnd so tooהַיַּמִּיםthe seasוְהַבִּקְעָהand the valleyבֵּיןwhetherבִּימוֹתin the days ofהַחַמָּהthe sunבֵּיןorבִּימוֹתin the days ofהַגְּשָׁמִיםthe rainsכָּלallאֵלּוּtheseכַּרְמְלִיתcarmelitהֵן:are
This halacha defines the physical dimensions and specific locations that constitute a carmelit, which is a Rabbinically prohibited domain on Shabbos.
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דִּין אֲוִיר הַכַּרְמְלִית וְעֹמֶק הַמַּיִם בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 5 · The Status of the Airspace of a Carmelit and the Depth of Water on Shabbos
אֲוִירThe airspace ofהַכַּרְמְלִיתthe carmelitהֲרֵיbeholdהוּאitכְּכַרְמְלִיתis like a carmelitעַדup toעֲשָׂרָהtenטְפָחִים.handbreadthsוּלְמַעְלָהand aboveמֵעֲשָׂרָהtenטְפָחִיםhandbreadthsבַּאֲוִירin the airspace ofהַכַּרְמְלִיתthe carmelitהֲרֵיbeholdהוּאitמְקוֹםis a place ofפְּטוֹר.exemptionלְפִיכָךְThereforeמֵעַלaboveפְּנֵיthe surface ofהַמַּיִםthe waterשֶׁבַּיַּמִּיםthat is in the seasוְשֶׁבַּנְּהָרוֹתand that is in the riversעַדup toעֲשָׂרָהtenטְפָחִיםhandbreadthsכַּאֲוִירis like the airspace ofכַּרְמְלִית.a carmelitוּלְמַעְלָהand aboveמֵעֲשָׂרָהtenמְקוֹםis a place ofפְּטוֹר.exemptionאֲבָלbutכָּלall ofהָעֹמֶקthe depthהַמְּלֵאָהthat is filled withמַיִםwaterהֲרֵיbeholdהוּאitכְּקַרְקַעis like groundעָבָה:thick
This halacha defines the vertical boundaries of a carmelit, establishing that its status extends up to ten handbreadths, above which is a makom patur, while the entire depth of water is treated as solid ground.
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דִּין בּוֹר בְּכַרְמְלִית וּרְשׁוּת הָרַבִּים הַמְּקֹרָהHalacha 6 · The Status of a Pit in a Carmelit and a Covered Public Domain
בּוֹרA pitשֶׁבְּכַרְמְלִיתthat is in a carmelitהֲרֵיbeholdהוּאitכְּכַרְמְלִיתis like a carmelitאֲפִלּוּevenעָמֹקdeepמֵאָהone hundredאַמָּהcubitsאִםifאֵיןthere is notבּוֹin itאַרְבָּעָה.fourרְשׁוּתA publicהָרַבִּיםdomainשֶׁהָיְתָהthat hasעָלֶיהָover itתִּקְרָהa roofאוֹorשֶׁאֵיןthat there is notבְּרָחְבָּהּin its widthט"זsixteenאַמָּהcubitsהֲרֵיbeholdהִיאitכְּכַרְמְלִית.is like a carmelitאִצְטַבָּאA benchשֶׁבֵּיןthat is betweenהָעַמּוּדִיםthe pillarsהָעוֹמְדִיםthat standבִּרְשׁוּתin a publicהָרַבִּיםdomainהֲרֵיbeholdהִיאitכְּכַרְמְלִית.is like a carmelitוְצִדֵּיand the sides ofרְשׁוּתa publicהָרַבִּיםdomainכְּכַרְמְלִית.are like a carmelitאֲבָלbutבֵּיןbetweenהָעַמּוּדִיםthe pillarsהוֹאִילsinceוְרַבִּיםthe publicדּוֹרְסִיןtreadבֵּינֵיהֶןbetween themהֲרֵיbeholdהֵןtheyרְשׁוּתare a publicהָרַבִּים:domain
This halacha defines the status of pits in a carmelit, covered public domains, and the spaces between pillars in a public domain.
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הַגְדָּרַת מְקוֹם פְּטוֹר בְּהִלְכוֹת שַׁבָּתHalacha 7 · The Definition of a Makom Patur in the Laws of Shabbos
אֵיWhichזֶהוּisמְקוֹםa place ofפְּטוֹר.exemptionמָקוֹםa placeשֶׁיֵּשׁthat hasבּוֹin itפָּחוֹתlessמֵאַרְבָּעָהthan fourעַלbyאַרְבָּעָהfourוְגָבְהוֹand its heightשְׁלֹשָׁהthreeעַדuntilלָרָקִיעַthe skyשֶׁכָּלfor allפָּחוֹתlessמִשְּׁלֹשָׁהthan threeהֲרֵיbeholdהוּאitכָּאָרֶץ.is like the earthאֲפִלּוּevenקוֹצִיםthornsוּבַרְקָנִיםand briersאוֹorגְּלָלִיםdungבִּרְשׁוּתin the domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe publicגָּבְהָןtheir heightשְׁלֹשָׁהthreeוְאֵיןand notרָחְבָּןtheir widthאַרְבָּעָהfourעַלbyאַרְבָּעָהfourהֲרֵיbeholdהֵןtheyמְקוֹםare a place ofפְּטוֹר.exemptionוְכֵןand likewiseחָרִיץa grooveשֶׁאֵיןthat there is notבּוֹin itאַרְבָּעָהfourעַלbyאַרְבָּעָהfourוְעָמְקוֹand its depthמִשְּׁלֹשָׁהfrom threeעַדuntilהַתְּהוֹם.the abyssוְכֵןand likewiseמָקוֹםa placeהַמֻּקָּףthat is surroundedשֶׁאֵיןthat there is notבּוֹin itאַרְבָּעָהfourעַלbyאַרְבָּעָהfourאֲפִלּוּevenהָיָהif wasאָרְכּוֹits lengthאֶלֶףa thousandמִילmilוְרָחְבּוֹand its widthאַרְבָּעָהfourפָּחוֹתlessשְׂעוֹרָהa barleycornוְגָבְהוֹand its heightמִשְּׁלֹשָׁהfrom threeוּלְמַעְלָהand upwardהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisמְקוֹםis a place ofפְּטוֹר.exemptionוְכֵןand likewiseאֲוִירthe airspace ofרְשׁוּתthe domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe publicאוֹorאֲוִירthe airspace ofכַּרְמְלִיתa carmelitלְמַעְלָהaboveמֵעֲשָׂרָהtenהֲרֵיbeholdהוּאitמְקוֹםis a place ofפְּטוֹר:exemption
This halacha defines the dimensions and spatial boundaries of a makom patur (exempt area) in public domains and carmelit.
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מַעֲמַד מָקוֹם הַגָּבוֹהַּ תִּשְׁעָה טְפָחִים בִּרְשׁוּת הָרַבִּיםHalacha 8 · The Status of an Area Nine Handbreadths High in the Public Domain
מָקוֹםA placeשֶׁיֵּשׁthat hasבְּגָבְהוֹin its heightתִּשְׁעָהnineטְפָחִיםhandbreadthsמְצֻמְצָמִיםexactlyלֹאnotפָּחוֹתlessוְלֹאand notיֶתֶרmoreבִּרְשׁוּתin the domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe publicהֲרֵיbeholdהוּאitכִּרְשׁוּתis like the domain ofהָרַבִּים.the publicוְאֵיןand we do notמַשְׁגִּיחִיןpay attentionעַלtoמִדַּתthe measure ofאָרְכּוֹits lengthוּמִדַּתand the measure ofרָחְבּוֹits widthבֵּיןwhetherרָחָבwideבֵּיןwhetherקָצָרnarrowמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁרַבִּיםthe publicמְכַתְּפִיןadjust their loadsעָלָיו.upon itאֲבָלbutאִםifהָיָהit wasיֶתֶרmoreעַלthanתִּשְׁעָהnineאוֹorפָּחוֹתlessאִםifהָיָהthere wasבּוֹin itאַרְבָּעָהfourעַלbyאַרְבָּעָהfourאוֹorיֶתֶרmoreהֲרֵיbeholdהוּאitכַּרְמְלִית.is a carmelitוְאִםand ifאֵיןthere is notבּוֹin itאַרְבָּעָהfourעַלbyאַרְבָּעָהfourהֲרֵיbeholdהוּאitמְקוֹםis a place ofפְּטוֹר:exemption
This halacha defines the status of a raised area in the public domain based on its exact height and dimensions.
הל׳ ט
דִּין גַּג הַסָּמוּךְ לִרְשׁוּת הָרַבִּים וְעַמּוּד שֶׁנָּעַץ בּוֹ יָתֵדHalacha 9 · The Status of a Low Roof Near the Public Domain and a Pillar with Pegs
גַּגA roofהַסָּמוּךְthat is adjacentלִרְשׁוּתto the domainהָרַבִּיםof the publicבְּתוֹךְwithinעֲשָׂרָהtenטְפָחִיםhandbreadthsהוֹאִילsinceוְרַבִּיםand manyמְכַתְּפִיןadjust loadsעָלָיוupon itאָסוּרit is forbiddenלְטַלְטֵלto carryבַּגַּגon the roofעַדuntilשֶׁיַּעֲשֶׂהthat he makesלוֹfor itסֻלָּםa ladderקָבוּעַfixedלְהַתִּירוֹ.to permit itעַמּוּדA pillarבִּרְשׁוּתin the domainהָרַבִּיםof the publicגָּבוֹהַּhighעֲשָׂרָהtenוְרָחָבand wideאַרְבָּעָהfourהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisרְשׁוּתis a domainהַיָּחִיד.of the individualנָעַץIf he droveבְּגָבְהוֹin its heightיָתֵדa pegכָּלanyשֶׁהוּאthat it isאֲפִלּוּeven ifאֵינָהּit is notגְּבוֹהָהhighשְׁלֹשָׁהthreeהוֹאִילsinceוְרָאוּיand it is fitלִתְלוֹתto hangבַּיָּתֵדon the pegוּלְהִשְׁתַּמֵּשׁand to useבּוֹitהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisמְמַעֲטוֹdiminishes itוְנַעֲשָׂהand it becomesכַּרְמְלִית.a carmelitוְאֵיןand we do notמוֹדְדִיןmeasureלוֹfor itאֶלָּאexceptמִןfromהַיָּתֵדthe pegוּלְמַעְלָה.and upwardוַאֲפִלּוּand even ifמִלְּאָהוּhe filled itכֻּלּוֹall of itיְתֵדוֹתwith pegsהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisמְמַעֵטdiminishesגָּבְהוֹ.its heightשֶׁהֲרֵיfor beholdתּוֹלִיןthey hangבְּאוֹתָןon thoseהַיְתֵדוֹתpegsוּמִשְׁתַּמְּשִׁיםand useבָּהֶן:them
This halacha discusses how public usage of a low roof restricts carrying on it, and how inserting pegs into a pillar in the public domain reduces its halachic height.
הל׳ י
דִּין חוֹרֵי רְשׁוּת הַיָּחִיד וְחוֹרֵי רְשׁוּת הָרַבִּיםHalacha 10 · The Halachic Status of Holes in Private and Public Domains on Shabbos
חוֹרֵיHoles ofרְשׁוּתthe domain ofהַיָּחִידthe individualהֲרֵיbeholdהֵןtheyכִּרְשׁוּתare like the domain ofהַיָּחִיד.the individualאֲבָלbutחוֹרֵיholes ofרְשׁוּתthe domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe manyאֵינָםare notכִּרְשׁוּתlike the domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe manyאֶלָּאratherהֲרֵיbeholdהֵןtheyכְּפִיare according toמִדָּתָן.their measurementכֵּיצַד.How soחוֹרA holeבְּצַדat the side ofרְשׁוּתthe domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe manyאִםifיֵשׁthere isבּוֹin itאַרְבָּעָהfourעַלbyאַרְבָּעָהfourוְגָבוֹהַּand highעֲשָׂרָהtenהֲרֵיbeholdהוּאitרְשׁוּתis a domain ofהַיָּחִיד.the individualוְאִםand ifאֵיןit is notגָּבוֹהַּhighעֲשָׂרָהtenהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisכַּרְמְלִית.is a carmelitוְאִםand ifאֵיןthere is notבּוֹin itאַרְבָּעָהfourעַלbyאַרְבָּעָהfourהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisמְקוֹםis a place ofפְּטוֹר.exemptionוְהוּאand this isשֶׁגָּבוֹהַּthat it is highשְׁלֹשָׁה.threeשֶׁכָּלfor anythingהַפָּחוּתlessמִשְּׁלֹשָׁהthan threeהֲרֵיbeholdהוּאitכָּאָרֶץ:is like the ground
This halacha defines the status of holes in walls adjacent to public and private domains based on their dimensions and height from the ground.
הל׳ יא
הֶתֵּר טִלְטוּל בִּרְשׁוּת הַיָּחִיד וּמְקוֹם פְּטוֹר וְאִסּוּר טִלְטוּל בְּכַרְמְלִיתHalacha 11 · Permitted Carrying in Private Domains and Exempt Places Versus the Restrictions of Carmelit
רְשׁוּתA domain ofהַיָּחִידthe individualוּמְקוֹםand a place ofפְּטוֹרexemptמֻתָּרit is permittedלְטַלְטֵלto carryבְּכֻלָּןin all of themאֲפִלּוּevenהָיָהif wasאֹרֶךְthe length ofכָּלeachאַחַתoneמִשְּׁתֵּיהֶןof both of themכַּמָּהseveralמִילִיןmilמְטַלְטֵלone may carryבְּכֻלָּהּ.in all of itאֲבָלbutרְשׁוּתa domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe publicוְהַכַּרְמְלִיתand the carmelitאֵיןwe do notמְטַלְטְלִיןcarryבָּהֶןin themאֶלָּאexceptבְּאַרְבַּעwithin fourאַמּוֹת.cubitsוְאִםand ifהֶעֱבִירone transferredאוֹorהוֹשִׁיטpassedאוֹorזָרַקthrewחוּץoutsideלְאַרְבַּעof fourאַמּוֹתcubitsבִּרְשׁוּתin a domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe publicחַיָּבhe is liableוּבְכַרְמְלִיתand in a carmelitפָּטוּר.he is exemptשֶׁאִסּוּרsince the prohibition ofהַכַּרְמְלִיתthe carmelitמִדִּבְרֵיהֶםis from their wordsמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁהִיאthat itדּוֹמָהresemblesלִרְשׁוּתa domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe publicשֶׁמָּאlestתִּתְחַלֵּףit will be confusedבִּרְשׁוּתwith a domain ofהָרַבִּים.the publicלְפִיכָךְthereforeאִםifלֹאnotהָיָהwasצָרִיךְneededלְגוּףfor the body ofהַהוֹצָאָהthe carrying outכְּגוֹןfor exampleשֶׁהֶעֱבִירthat he transferredקוֹץa thornבְּכַרְמְלִיתin a carmelitכְּדֵיin orderשֶׁלֹּאthat notיִזּוֹקוּthey will be injuredבּוֹby itרַבִּיםthe publicהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisמֻתָּר.is permittedוַאֲפִלּוּand evenהֶעֱבִירוֹif he transferred itכַּמָּהseveralאַמּוֹת.cubitsוְכֵןand soכָּלanythingכַּיּוֹצֵאsimilarבָּזֶה:to this
This halacha contrasts the unlimited carrying permitted in a private domain and a makom patur with the four-cubit restriction in a public domain and a carmelit, noting a lenient exception for removing hazards from a carmelit.
הל׳ יב
הַעֲבָרַת חֲפָצִים מִמְּקוֹם פְּטוֹר וְאֵלָיו בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 12 · Transferring Articles to and from an Exempt Domain on Shabbos
כְּשֵׁםJust asשֶׁמֻּתָּרthat it is permittedלְטַלְטֵלto carryבְּכָלin anyמְקוֹםexemptפְּטוֹרdomainכָּךְsoמֻתָּרit is permittedלְהַכְנִיסto bring inמִמֶּנּוּfrom itלִרְשׁוּתto the domain ofהַיָּחִידthe individualאוֹorלִרְשׁוּתto the domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe publicוְאֵיןand there is noצָרִיךְneedלוֹמַרto sayלְכַרְמְלִית.to a carmelitוּמוֹצִיאִיןand one may take outלוֹto itמֵרְשׁוּתfrom the domain ofהַיָּחִידthe individualוּמֵרְשׁוּתand from the domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe publicוְאֵיןand there is noצָרִיךְneedלוֹמַרto sayמִןfromהַכַּרְמְלִית:the carmelit
This halacha establishes that an exempt domain (makom patur) has no restrictions regarding the transfer of objects between it and any other domain on Shabbos.
הל׳ יג
אִסּוּר הוֹצָאָה וְהַכְנָסָה מִכַּרְמְלִית וְאֵלֶיהָHalacha 13 · The Prohibition of Carrying and Transferring to and from a Carmelit
כְּשֵׁםJust asשֶׁאָסוּרthat it is forbiddenלְטַלְטֵלto carryבְּכָלin all ofהַכַּרְמְלִיתthe carmelitכָּךְsoאָסוּרit is forbiddenלְהוֹצִיאto removeמִמֶּנָּהfrom itלִרְשׁוּתto the domain ofהַיָּחִידthe individualאוֹorלִרְשׁוּתto the domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe manyאוֹorלְהַכְנִיסto bring inלְכַרְמְלִיתto a carmelitמֵרְשׁוּתfrom the domain ofהַיָּחִידthe individualאוֹorמֵרְשׁוּתfrom the domain ofהָרַבִּים.the manyוְאִםand ifהוֹצִיאone removedאוֹorהִכְנִיסbrought inפָּטוּר:he is exempt
This halacha establishes that transferring objects between a carmelit and either a private or public domain is Rabbinically forbidden, though one is exempt from a sin offering.
הל׳ יד
הַעֲבָרַת חֵפֶץ בֵּין רְשׁוּיוֹת דֶּרֶךְ כַּרְמְלִיתHalacha 14 · Transferring an Object Between Domains via a Carmelit
הַמּוֹצִיאOne who transfersמֵרְשׁוּתfrom a domain ofהַיָּחִידthe individualלִרְשׁוּתto a domain ofהַיָּחִידthe individualאוֹorמֵרְשׁוּתfrom a domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe manyלִרְשׁוּתto a domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe manyוְכַרְמְלִיתand a carmelitבָּאֶמְצַעis in the middleפָּטוּר.is exemptוְכֵןand so tooהַמּוֹשִׁיטone who passesאוֹorהַזּוֹרֵקone who throwsמִזּוֹfrom thisלְזוֹto thisוְכַרְמְלִיתand a carmelitבָּאֶמְצַעis in the middleפָּטוּר.is exemptהַמּוֹצִיאOne who transfersחֵפֶץan objectמֵרְשׁוּתfrom a domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe manyלְכַרְמְלִיתto a carmelitוְהִנִּיחוֹand placed itשָׁםthereוְחָזַרand returnedוַעֲקָרוֹand lifted itמִכַּרְמְלִיתfrom the carmelitוְהִכְנִיסוֹand brought it inלִרְשׁוּתto a domain ofהַיָּחִיד.the individualאוֹorשֶׁהוֹצִיאוֹwho transferred itמֵרְשׁוּתfrom a domain ofהַיָּחִידthe individualלְכַרְמְלִיתto a carmelitוְהִנִּיחוֹand placed itשָׁםthereוְחָזַרand returnedוַעֲקָרוֹand lifted itמִכַּרְמְלִיתfrom the carmelitוְהוֹצִיאוֹand transferred it outלִרְשׁוּתto a domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe manyהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthis oneפָּטוּר:is exempt
This halacha teaches that transferring, passing, or throwing an object between two primary domains via a carmelit, or stopping in a carmelit in between, does not violate a Torah prohibition.
הל׳ טו
הַעֲבָרַת חֵפֶץ דֶּרֶךְ מְקוֹם פְּטוֹר בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 15 · Transferring an Object Through a Place of Exemption on Shabbos
הַמּוֹצִיאOne who transfersמֵרְשׁוּתfrom the domain ofהַיָּחִידthe individualלִרְשׁוּתto the domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe manyוְעָבַרand passedעַלthroughמְקוֹםa place ofפְּטוֹרexemptionשֶׁהָיָהthat wasבֵּינֵיהֶןbetween themבַּהֲלִיכָתוֹin his walkingחַיָּב.is liableשֶׁמְּהַלֵּךְbecause one who walksאֵינוֹis notכְּעוֹמֵד.like one who standsוְאֵיןand there is noצָרִיךְneedלוֹמַרto sayבְּזוֹרֵקregarding one who throwsשֶׁעָבַרwhere passedהַחֵפֶץthe objectבִּמְקוֹםthrough a place ofפְּטוֹרexemptionשֶׁאֵינוֹthat it is notחָשׁוּבconsideredכְּמִיlike oneשֶׁנָּחthat restedשָׁם.thereהָיָהIf he wasעוֹמֵדstandingבִּמְקוֹםin a place ofפְּטוֹרexemptionוְנָטַלand tookחֵפֶץan objectמֵרְשׁוּתfrom the domain ofהַיָּחִידthe individualאוֹorמֵאָדָםfrom a personהָעוֹמֵדwho is standingשָׁםthereוְהִנִּיחוֹand placed itבִּרְשׁוּתin the domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe manyאוֹorבְּיַדin the hand ofאָדָםa personהָעוֹמֵדwho is standingשָׁםthereפָּטוּר.he is exemptוְכֵןand likewiseאִםifהִכְנִיסhe brought inמֵרְשׁוּתfrom the domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe manyלִרְשׁוּתto the domain ofהַיָּחִידthe individualוְעָמַדand stoodבִּמְקוֹםin a place ofפְּטוֹר,exemptionפָּטוּר:he is exempt
This halacha teaches that walking through a makom patur does not break up a transfer, but stopping or standing in one does.
הל׳ טז
עַמּוּד וְתֵל הַמִּתְלַקֵּט בִּרְשׁוּת הָרַבִּיםHalacha 16 · A Pillar and a Steep Mound in the Public Domain
עַמּוּדA pillarבִּרְשׁוּתin the domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe publicגָּבוֹהַּhighעֲשָׂרָהtenוְרָחָבand wideאַרְבָּעָהfourוְאֵיןand there is notבְּעִקָּרוֹin its baseאַרְבָּעָהfourוְיֵשׁand there isבַּגֹּבַהּin the heightהַקָּצָרthe narrowשֶׁלּוֹof itשְׁלֹשָׁהthreeהֲרֵיbeholdהוּאitרְשׁוּתis a domain ofהַיָּחִידthe individualוְאִםand ifזָרַקone threwמֵרְשׁוּתfrom the domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe publicוְנָחand it restedעַלuponגַּבָּיוits topחַיָּב.he is liableתֵּלA moundהַמִּתְלַקֵּטthat accumulatesגּוֹבֶהa height ofעֲשָׂרָהtenטְפָחִיםhandbreadthsמִתּוֹךְfrom withinאֹרֶךְa length ofאַרְבַּעfourאַמּוֹתcubitsהֲרֵיbeholdהוּאitרְשׁוּתis a domain ofהַיָּחִידthe individualוְאִםand ifזָרַקone threwמֵרְשׁוּתfrom the domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe publicוְנָחand it restedעַלuponגַּבָּיוits topחַיָּב:he is liable
This halacha defines how a pillar with a narrow base or a steep mound in the public domain can be classified as a private domain.
הל׳ יז
דִּין רְשׁוּת הַיָּחִיד עַד לָרָקִיעַ וְדִין נוֹף הָאִילָןHalacha 17 · The Upward Extension of a Private Domain and the Status of Tree Branches
נָעַץOne who fixedקָנֶהa reedבִּרְשׁוּתin the domainהַיָּחִידof the individualאֲפִלּוּevenגָּבוֹהַּhighמֵאָהone hundredאַמָּהcubitsוְזָרַקand threwמֵרְשׁוּתfrom the domainהָרַבִּיםof the manyוְנָחand it restedעַלonגַּבָּיוits topחַיָּב.is liableשֶׁרְשׁוּתfor the domainהַיָּחִידof the individualעוֹלָהascendsעַדuntilלָרָקִיעַ.the skyאִילָןA treeשֶׁהוּאthatעוֹמֵדstandsבִּרְשׁוּתin the domainהַיָּחִידof the individualוְנוֹפוֹand its branchנוֹטֶהextendsלִרְשׁוּתto the domainהָרַבִּיםof the manyוְזָרַקand he threwוְנָחand it restedעַלonנוֹפוֹits branchפָּטוּר.is exemptשֶׁאֵיןfor notהַנּוֹףthe branchהוֹלֵךְgoesאַחַרafterהָעִקָּר:the trunk
This halacha teaches that a private domain extends upward indefinitely, whereas the branches of a tree extending into a public domain do not share the status of its trunk.
הל׳ יח
דִּינֵי זְרִיקָה בִּרְשׁוּת הָרַבִּים לְמַעְלָה מֵעֲשָׂרָה טְפָחִיםHalacha 18 · Laws of Throwing in a Public Domain Above Ten Handbreadths
נָעַץOne who droveקָנֶהa reedבִּרְשׁוּתinto the domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe publicוּבְרֹאשׁוֹand at its topטְרַסְקַלis a basketוְזָרַקand threwוְנָחand it restedעַלuponגַּבָּיוits topפָּטוּרis exemptשֶׁאֵיןfor there is notרְשׁוּתthe domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe publicאֶלָּאexceptעַדup toעֲשָׂרָה.tenהַזּוֹרֵקOne who throwsאַרְבַּעfourאַמּוֹתcubitsבִּרְשׁוּתin the domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe publicוְנָחand restedהַחֵפֶץthe objectבַּכֹּתֶל.on a wallכְּגוֹןfor exampleשֶׁזָּרַקthat he threwחֵלֶבfatאוֹorבָּצֵקdoughוְנִדְבַּקand it stuckבַּכֹּתֶל.to the wallאִםifנִדְבַּקit stuckלְמַעְלָהaboveמֵעֲשָׂרָהtenטְפָחִיםhandbreadthsכְּזוֹרֵקit is like one who throwsבַּאֲוִיר.in the airשֶׁלְּמַעְלָהwhich is aboveמֵעֲשָׂרָהtenבִּרְשׁוּתin the domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe publicמְקוֹםa place ofפְּטוֹרexemptionהוּא.it isנִדְבַּקit stuckלְמַטָּהbelowמֵעֲשָׂרָהtenטְפָחִיםhandbreadthsכְּזוֹרֵקit is like one who throwsבָּאָרֶץon the groundוְחַיָּב.and he is liableזָרַקIf he threwלְמַעְלָהaboveמֵעֲשָׂרָהtenוְנָחand it restedבְּחוֹרin a holeכָּלanyשֶׁהוּאthat it isפָּטוּר:he is exempt
This halacha discusses the status of objects thrown in a public domain that land on elevated surfaces, walls, or crevices above ten handbreadths.
הל׳ יט
דִּין זְרִיקַת חֵפֶץ הַנִּתְקָע אוֹ כְּלִי גָּדוֹל בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 19 · The Law of Throwing an Implanted Object or a Large Utensil on Shabbos
זָרַקthrewקָנֶהa reedאוֹorרֹמַחa spearמֵרְשׁוּתfrom the domain ofהַיָּחִידthe individualוְנִתְקַעand it became stuckבִּרְשׁוּתin the domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe manyכְּשֶׁהוּאwhen itעוֹמֵדstandsפָּטוּר.exemptשֶׁהֲרֵיfor beholdמִקְצָתוֹpart of itבִּמְקוֹםis in a place ofפְּטוֹר.exemptionזָרַקthrewכְּלִיa utensilמֵרְשׁוּתfrom the domain ofהַיָּחִידthe individualלִרְשׁוּתto the domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe manyוְהָיָהand wasאוֹתוֹthatכְּלִיutensilגָּדוֹלlargeוְיֵשׁand there isבּוֹin itאַרְבָּעָהfourעַלbyאַרְבָּעָהfourבְּגֹבַהּwith a height ofעֲשָׂרָהtenפָּטוּר.exemptמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁכְּלִיthat a utensilזֶהthisרְשׁוּתis a domain ofהַיָּחִידthe individualגְּמוּרָהcompleteוְנִמְצָאand he is foundכְּמוֹצִיאlike one who brings outמֵרְשׁוּתfrom the domain ofהַיָּחִידthe individualלִרְשׁוּתto the domain ofהַיָּחִיד:the individual
One is exempt from carrying if part of the object remains in a makom patur, or if the thrown utensil itself constitutes a private domain.
הל׳ כ
דִּין זוֹרֵק בְּבוֹר הַמִּשְׁתַּנֶּה בְּעוֹמְקוֹHalacha 20 · The Law of Throwing into a Pit Whose Depth Changes Simultaneously
בּוֹרA pitתִּשְׁעָהnineבִּרְשׁוּתin the domainהָרַבִּיםof the publicוְעָקַרand he uprootedחֻלְיָאa clodמִקַּרְקָעִיתוֹfrom its bottomוְהִשְׁלִימוֹand completed itלַעֲשָׂרָה.to tenאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁעֲקִירַתthe uprooting ofהַחֵפֶץthe objectוַעֲשִׂיַּתand the making ofהַמְּחִצָּהthe partitionבָּאִיןcomeכְּאַחַתas oneפָּטוּר.he is exemptמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁלֹּאnotהָיְתָהwasהַמְּחִצָּהthe partitionעֲשָׂרָהtenבַּתְּחִלָּה.at the beginningהָיָהIf wasהַבּוֹרthe pitעֲשָׂרָהtenוְהִשְׁלִיךְand he threwבּוֹinto itחֻלְיָהa clodוּמִעֲטוֹand diminished itמֵעֲשָׂרָהfrom tenפָּטוּר.he is exemptשֶׁהֲרֵיfor beholdהַנָּחַתthe resting ofהַחֵפֶץthe objectוְסִלּוּקand the removal ofהַמְּחִצָּהthe partitionבָּאִיןcomeכְּאַחַת:as one
This halacha discusses the exemption from liability when the act of throwing or uprooting an object simultaneously creates or destroys the ten-handbreadth depth required for a private domain.
הל׳ כא
הַזּוֹרֵק דַּף עַל גַּבֵּי יְתֵדוֹת בִּרְשׁוּת הָרַבִּיםHalacha 21 · Throwing a Board onto Spikes in the Public Domain
הַזּוֹרֵקOne who throwsדַּףa boardוְנָחand it restedעַלonגַּבֵּיtop ofיְתֵדוֹתspikesבִּרְשׁוּתin the domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe publicוְנַעֲשָׂהand it becameרְשׁוּתa domain ofהַיָּחִידthe individualאֲפִלּוּeven ifהָיָהthere wasכְּלִיa utensilעַלonגַּבֵּיtop ofהַדַּףthe boardפָּטוּר.is exemptשֶׁהֲרֵיsinceעֲשִׂיַּתthe making ofהַמְּחִצָּהthe partitionעִםwithנוּחַתthe resting ofהַכְּלִיthe utensilבָּאִיןcomeכְּאַחַת:as one
This halacha discusses the exemption of throwing an object that simultaneously creates the private domain in which it comes to rest.
הל׳ כב
זְרִיקַת חֵפֶץ הַמְחַלֵּק אֶת הַבּוֹר בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 22 · Throwing an Object that Divides a Pit on Shabbos
בּוֹרA pitשֶׁהוּאthat isעָמֹקdeepעֲשָׂרָהtenוְרָחָבand wideשְׁמוֹנָהeightבִּרְשׁוּתin a publicהָרַבִּיםdomainוְזָרַקand one threwמַחְצֶלֶתa matמֵרְשׁוּתfrom a publicהָרַבִּיםdomainוְחִלְּקָהand it dividedהַבּוֹרthe pitבְּרָחְבּוֹin its widthלִשְׁנַיִםinto twoפָּטוּר.he is exemptשֶׁהֲרֵיbecauseעִםwithהַנָּחַתthe resting ofהַכְּלִיthe vesselבָּטְלוּwere nullifiedהַמְּחִצּוֹתthe partitionsוְנַעֲשָׂהand becameכָּלeachמָקוֹםplaceמֵהֶןof themפָּחוֹתlessמֵאַרְבָּעָהthan fourעַלbyאַרְבָּעָה:four
This halacha discusses how throwing a mat into a pit can divide its space and nullify its status as a private domain.
הל׳ כג
זְרִיקָה לְבוֹר הַמָּלֵא מַיִם אוֹ פֵרוֹת בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 23 · Throwing into a Pit Filled with Water or Produce on Shabbos
בּוֹרA pitבִּרְשׁוּתin the domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe publicעָמֹקdeepעֲשָׂרָהtenוְרָחָבand wideאַרְבָּעָהfourמָלֵאfilled withמַיִםwaterוְזָרַקand one threwלְתוֹכוֹinto its midstחֵפֶץan objectוְנָחand it restedעַלonגַּבֵּיtop ofהַמַּיִםthe waterחַיָּב.is liableשֶׁאֵיןfor notהַמַּיִםdoes the waterמְבַטְּלִיןnullifyהַמְּחִצּוֹת.the partitionsהָיָהif it wereמָלֵאfilled withפֵּרוֹתproduceוְזָרַקand one threwלְתוֹכוֹinto its midstפָּטוּר.is exemptשֶׁהֲרֵיfor beholdמִעֲטוּdiminishedהַפֵּרוֹתthe produceאֶת—שִׁעוּרוֹ:its measurement
This halacha discusses whether water or produce inside a pit in the public domain nullifies its status as a private domain.
הל׳ כד
דִּין רְקַק מַיִם הָעוֹבֵר בִּרְשׁוּת הָרַבִּיםHalacha 24 · The Status of an Irrigation Ditch Passing Through the Public Domain
רְקַקAn irrigation ditchמַיִםof waterשֶׁהוּאthatעוֹבֵרpassesבִּרְשׁוּתthrough the domainהָרַבִּיםof the publicוְרַבִּיםand manyמְהַלְּכִיןwalkבּוֹ.in itאִםifאֵיןthere is notבְּעָמְקוֹin its depthעֲשָׂרָהtenטְפָחִיםhandbreadthsהֲרֵיbeholdהוּאitכִּרְשׁוּתis like the domainהָרַבִּים.of the publicבֵּיןwhetherשֶׁהָיָהthat it wasרָחָבwideאֲפִלּוּevenאַרְבַּעfourאַמּוֹתcubitsבֵּיןwhetherשֶׁלֹּאthat notהָיָהit wasבְּרָחְבּוֹin its widthאַרְבָּעָהfourטְפָחִים.handbreadthsשֶׁהֲרֵיfor beholdרֹבmost ofהָעָםthe peopleמְדַלְּגִיןjumpעָלָיוover itוְאֵיןand do notמְהַלְּכִיןwalkבְּתוֹכוֹ.inside itהוֹאִילsinceוְאֵיןand there is notבְּעָמְקוֹin its depthעֲשָׂרָהtenהֲרֵיbeholdהוּאitרְשׁוּתis the domainהָרַבִּים.of the publicוְאִםand ifיֵשׁthere isבְּעָמְקוֹin its depthעֲשָׂרָהtenאוֹorיֶתֶרmoreהֲרֵיbeholdהוּאitכְּכַרְמְלִיתis like a carmelitכִּשְׁאָרlike otherהַיַּמִים.seasוְהוּאand this isשֶׁיֵּשׁthat there isבְּרָחְבּוֹin its widthאַרְבָּעָהfourטְפָחִיםhandbreadthsאוֹorיֶתֶרmoreעַל·כֵּן.than thisשֶׁאֵיןfor there is noכַּרְמְלִיתcarmelitפְּחוּתָהlessמֵאַרְבָּעָה:than four
This halacha defines the status of a shallow or deep water ditch running through a public domain on Shabbos.
Chapter Summaryסִכּוּם
This chapter establishes the definitions and boundaries of the four domains of Shabbos. The Rambam defines a public domain as an open, unroofed area traversed by the public, such as deserts, forests, marketplaces, and wide thoroughfares. A private domain is defined as an area of at least four by four handbreadths that is physically distinct, such as a mound ten handbreadths high, a groove ten handbreadths deep, or an area enclosed by walls, including cities surrounded by a wall and lanes with three walls and a lechi. Finally, the Rambam introduces the carmelit as a Rabbinically restricted intermediate domain that does not meet the full criteria of either a public or private domain.
לְמַעֲשֶׂהWhat To Take Home
My dear talmid, look at how the Torah defines our physical world on Shabbos. We have the public domain, the busy, open thoroughfares where the masses tread, and we have the private domain, a space of ten handbreadths high, set apart and defined by its own walls. The halachah teaches us a profound truth: a private domain is not just a house. Even a simple wooden chest or a small mound, if it has the proper height and boundaries, becomes a complete private domain. It stands independent of the bustling public world around it.
This is the essence of our avodah in this world. The street, the marketplace, the daily grind—these are the public domains where we must walk during the week. But a Yid must know how to build a private domain within his own heart. No matter how loud the world is around you, you have the ability to set up boundaries, to raise yourself ten handbreadths above the noise, and to create a space that belongs entirely to Hashem.
Even when you are in the middle of the busiest marketplace, you can pull back into your own private domain of Torah and yiras Shamayim. Like the walls of the private domain that the Rambam teaches us go "up to the heavens," when you establish your personal boundaries for holiness, your connection to Hashem rises without limit, untouched by the distractions of the street.
Today, when you feel overwhelmed by the noise of the world around you, pause for sixty seconds, close your eyes, and step into your private domain—speak a few words of tefillah or think a thought of Torah to reconnect your neshama to Hashem.